Apply now: 2025 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships in Hungary

• The 2025 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme is now open to international students, including Nigerians 
• The scholarship offers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, medical insurance, and accommodation 
• TheRadar has compiled a detailed guide on the application process for Bachelor's, Master's and PhD programs

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for international students by the Government of Hungary. This scholarship offers a pathway for outstanding students worldwide to pursue higher education in Hungary without financial worries. 

The program was launched by the Hungarian Government in 2013 as part of its strategy to increase the number of international students in Hungarian higher education institutions and to promote cultural exchange. Administered by the Tempus Public Foundation, the scholarship program aims to strengthen Hungary’s international relations in education and research.

Stipendium Hungaricum provides thousands of scholarships annually to students from over 80 countries. The program offers degrees at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels, as well as non-degree programs such as preparatory and specialisation courses.

Here’s everything you need to know about this life-changing opportunity.

Benefits of Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is a fully funded program that covers nearly all expenses related to studying in Hungary. Here are the key benefits:

1. Tuition fee coverage: The scholarship covers the entire tuition fee for the selected program.

2. Monthly stipend:

• For bachelor’s, master’s, and non-degree programs: A monthly stipend of HUF 43,700 (approximately €110) for living expenses.
• For doctoral programs: A monthly stipend of HUF 140,000 (approximately €360) for the first phase (up to four semesters) and HUF 180,000 (approximately €470) for the second phase.

3. Accommodation: The scholarship provides free dormitory accommodation or a monthly housing allowance of HUF 40,000 (around €100) for students choosing private housing.

4. Medical insurance: Comprehensive health insurance ensures access to medical services throughout the study.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Nationality: Applicants must be citizens of a country with a bilateral educational agreement with Hungary. Over 80 countries are included, ranging from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

2. Academic requirements:

• For bachelor’s programs: A high school diploma or equivalent.
• For master’s programs: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• For doctoral programs: A master’s degree or equivalent.

3. Age limit: Applicants should generally be at least 18 years old. There is no specific upper age limit, but applicants must be in good health and able to complete the program requirements.

4. Language proficiency: Most programs are offered in English, so applicants are expected to demonstrate proficiency in English through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent.

Some programs may require knowledge of Hungarian or another specific language.

Required documents

• Completed online application form
• Recent photo, motivation letter, and proof of language proficiency
• Academic certificates and transcripts (translated if not in English or Hungarian)
• Passport or national ID
• Signed acceptance statement for application
• Medical certificate (for nominated applicants only)

Application process for Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship 

The application process for the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship 2025 is straightforward and consists of several steps:

1. Online application: Applicants must complete the online application form on the official Stipendium Hungaricum website.

Required documents include a resume (CV), motivation letter, academic transcripts, and language proficiency certificates.

2. Selection by sending partner: After submission, applications are reviewed by the designated Sending Partner (e.g., Ministry of Education or Scholarship Board) of the applicant’s home country.

3. University admission: Shortlisted applicants are then considered for admission by Hungarian universities based on academic merit and program requirements.

4. Final selection: Successful candidates are notified via email and receive an official scholarship offer.

5. Post-selection requirements: Submit a medical certificate and any additional required documents as specified in the scholarship offer.

6. Visa and enrollment: Begin the visa application process upon acceptance and plan for arrival and enrollment at the host university in Hungary by September 2025.

Master’s program application process

1. Eligibility check and program selection: Verify eligibility and review available Master’s programs in your country’s list. Select the program through the online application portal.

2. Prepare and submit required documents:

• Online application form with a recent photo.
• Motivation letter: Minimum one page in the language of study.
• Proof of language proficiency that matches program requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcripts, translated if necessary.
• Identification document: Passport or national ID.
• Acceptance of statements in the online system.

3. Submit the application: Complete and submit the application via the Stipendium Hungaricum online portal by January 15, 2025.

4. Nomination and selection process: Nominated by the Sending Partner, then reviewed by the host institution.

5. University admission decision: Selected applicants will receive acceptance and scholarship details by June 2025.

6. Medical certificate submission: Submit a medical certificate, if selected, by the specified deadline.

PhD program application process

1. Eligibility check and program selection: Verify eligibility and available PhD programs within the online system.

Some doctoral programs may require a supervisor at the host institution. If needed, applicants must secure an acceptance letter from the supervisor before applying.

2. Prepare and submit required documents:

• Online application form with a recent photo.
• Motivation letter: Minimum one page in the language of study.
• Proof of language proficiency as specified by the program.
• Master’s degree certificate and transcripts, with translations if needed.
• Research plan: A minimum two-page outline of the proposed research in Times New Roman, font size 12.
• Letter of Recommendation: Signed by an academic supervisor or professor familiar with your work.
• Supervisor’s Statement (if required): A document confirming supervisor support.
• Identification document: Passport or national ID.
• Acceptance of statements in the online system.

3. Submit the application: Submit the complete application by January 15, 2025.

4. Nomination and selection process: Following nomination, the application is reviewed by the host institution’s doctoral program and evaluated based on academic and research potential.

5. University admission decision: Admitted candidates receive scholarship acceptance details by June-July 2025.

6. Medical certificate and additional documents: Submit a medical certificate and any other required documents, such as an updated supervisor statement if specified.

Differences in PhD applications

• Supervisor requirement: Many PhD programs require a supervisor at the host institution; this is not required for Master’s applicants.
• Research plan and recommendation letter: PhD applicants must submit a research plan and a recommendation letter from an academic tutor, while Master’s applicants do not.
• More comprehensive evaluation: PhD applications undergo an in-depth review, focusing on research capability and the availability of a suitable supervisor.

Important dates

• Application deadline: January 15 2025
• Selection results: June-July 2025
• Study start date: September 2025

UK Chevening Scholarship for international students: A complete guide to applying

Earlier, TheRadar compiled a complete guide on successfully applying for the 2025 UK Chevening scholarship. The Chevening Scholarship is a fully funded programme that enables eligible applicants to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. 

It covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend, travel costs, an arrival allowance, and other expenses, providing scholars with the resources to focus entirely on their studies and network.